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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)


Alternative names

ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for the child's age and development.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

ADHD affects school performance and relationships with others. Parents of children with ADHD are often exhausted and frustrated.

Scientific studies, using advanced neuroimaging techniques of brain structure and function, show that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of other children. These children handle neurotransmitters (including dopamine, serotonin, and adrenalin) differently from their peers.

ADHD is often genetic. Whatever the specific cause may be, it seems to be set in motion early in life as the brain is developing.

Depression, sleep deprivation, learning disabilities, tic disorders, and behavior problems may be confused with, or appear along with, ADHD. Every child suspected of having ADHD deserves a careful evaluation to sort out exactly what is contributing to the concerning behaviors.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting an estimated 3 - 5% of school aged children. It is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.

Most children with ADHD also have at least one other developmental or behavioral problem.

Symptoms

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) divides the symptoms of ADHD into those of inattentiveness and those of hyperactivity/impulsivity.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 activity/impulsivity symptoms -- to a degree beyond what would be expected for children their age.

The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, observable in 2 or more settings, and not caused by another problem. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties. Some symptoms must be present before age 7.

Older children who still have symptoms, but no longer meet the full definition, have ADHD in partial remission.

Some children with ADHD primarily have the Inattentive Type, some the Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and some the Combined Type. Those with the Inattentive type are less disruptive and are easier to miss being diagnosed with ADHD.

Inattention symptoms:

  1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
  2. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
  3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

    Signs and tests

    Too often, difficult children are incorrectly labeled with ADHD. On the other hand, many children who do have ADHD remain undiagnosed. In either case, related learning disabilities or mood problems are often missed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued guidelines to bring more clarity to this issue.

    Treatment

    The

    Expectations (prognosis)

    ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. About half of the children with ADHD will continue to have troublesome symptoms of inattention or impulsivity as adults.

    Complications

    There are a high number of adults with ADHD who are in successful jobs. Possible complications, if ADHD is not adequately treated, could include failure in school or other similar problems.

    Calling your health care provider

    Call your health care provider if you or your child's school personnel suspect the possibility of attention deficit disorder.

    Prevention

    While there is no proven way to prevent ADHD itself, early identification and treatment can prevent many of the problems associated with ADHD.

    Update Date: 11/7/2003

    Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine; Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Last updated: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:20:03 GMT
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